The much-anticipated Kolkata leg of Lionel Messi's G.O.A.T. Tour at the Yuva Bharati Krirangan (Salt Lake Stadium) on Saturday descended into massive chaos, leaving thousands of fans angry and leading to the arrest of the main organiser.
Fans, who had paid substantial amounts for tickets ranging from Rs 5,000 to Rs 25,000, were unable to get a proper glimpse of the Argentine football superstar.
Fans complained of utter mismanagement, claiming that security personnel and other guests stood too close to Messi, obstructing the view from the stands.
The frustration led to anger, with fans throwing chairs and bottles. Some also barged into the ground and vandalized canopies.
Messi, who arrived around 11:15 a.m., was scheduled to take a full lap of the stadium but was whisked away by promoter Satadru Dutta and security after only about 20 minutes due to the spiralling situation.
The chaos prevented Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, former India captain Sourav Ganguly, and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee from participating in the program as the event was cut short. Angry fans accused ministers and politicians of hogging Messi's time, saying he didn't take a single kick or penalty as promised and that the event was an "absolute disgrace."
Satadru Dutta, the main organiser of the G.O.A.T. Tour event, has been arrested after an FIR was lodged, confirmed Jawed Shamim, ADG Law and Order. Shamim also mentioned that organisers promised to return the ticket fees to fans.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee posted on X, expressing deep disturbance and shock over the mismanagement. She apologised to Lionel Messi and all sports lovers, and ordered a detailed enquiry committee under the chairmanship of Justice (Retd.) Ashim Kumar Ray to fix responsibility and recommend preventive measures.
Police and the Rapid Action Force (RAF) used mild force to disperse the angry crowd attempting to vandalize the stadium.
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